Alumni Spotlight: Chevonne Denson (’03,’05,’08)

ASU alumna, Chevonne Denson (’03,’05,’08) graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, a master’s degree in health and physical education and a specialist degree in educational leadership. She was a member of the Albany State Track and Field team, ASU Gospel Choir and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. In 2009, she was awarded the Coach of the Year award by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association for winning the Region 1-A Track and Field Championship. In 2017, she was selected as Teacher of the Year for Dougherty Comprehensive High School, chosen as a District Teacher of the Year finalist and was the recipient of the Advanced Degree Scholarship awarded by the Georgia Association of Educators. In 2018, she was inducted in Kappa Delta Pi, which is an International Honor Society in Education. She was also selected as an Albany Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 finalist in the category of Youth and Education.

What was the experience like being chosen as an Albany 40 Under 40 finalist?

Being selected as an Albany 40 Under 40 finalist was an exciting, yet humbling experience. I felt like I was the recipient of an Oscar Award. There are so many great educators and great leaders in Albany. To be chosen among 300 nominations was nothing short of amazing. Receiving this accomplishment validates why I chose education as my profession. I like to teach students, help inspire teachers and build relationships with individuals in the community.

What do you love most about teaching?

The greatest thing about teaching is the students. I love building relationships, interacting with students, seeing them grow and seeing students apply what I have taught them. It feels fantastic when former students come back and thank me for their success.

Who made the biggest impact on you while at Albany State University?

The two professors who made the most significant impact while attending Albany State University were Mrs. Latonya Conner and Dr. Rani George. I would like to thank Mrs. Latonya Conner for pushing me to be a better student teacher and breaking me out of my shyness. Because of her, I became a great teacher and a strong disciplinary. I would also like to thank Dr. Rani George for helping me to write a research paper. Because of her guidance and inspiration, I can assist students and teachers with writing.

What are obstacles you’ve had to overcome to progress as an educator?

Being an educator has allowed me to teach students of diverse backgrounds with a wide range of skills, abilities and experiences. Sometimes this can be challenging because all students do not learn the same. However, being conscious of student’s skills and abilities allows me the opportunity to differentiate teaching and support students so that they can learn and become successful.

What advice would you give to students to pursue their dreams?

I would advise students to dream big and try to accomplish what you want in life. Your dreams have no limits, you are the creator of your dreams, big or small. Make sure you set goals and prioritize them. Sometimes failure is a part of success. Learning from your failure can help you become better at whatever you are trying to accomplish.